Khao Sok to Koh Tao

About the ride from Khao Sok to Koh Tao 

 

There are so many naturally beautiful areas in Thailand that sometimes it’s hard to know where to head next. But that’s the great thing about traveling, right? 

Khao Sok National Park is one of those out-of-the-way locations that most casual sun-seekers have never heard of. It’s tucked away in southern Thailand and where you’ll discover incredible limestone monoliths hidden amongst first-growth forests. It’s a real jungle experience. 

But once you’ve had your fill of playing Indiana Jones or Lara Croft, it makes sense to go from Khao Sok to Koh Tao. What better way to unwind after getting all sweaty in the jungle than in a hammock on a palm-fringed beach?

The total distance from Khao Sok to Koh Tao is 181 kilometers (90 miles). It can be broken down into roughly half over land and half over water. Thankfully, it’s a fairly well-worn route for travelers with good transportation links in place to get you from A to B.

Although you won’t find any direct rail or air links, it’s pretty straightforward to jump on a tourist bus and then a ferry. Booking your ticket in advance is best practice, even though there are usually four buses departing Khao Sok throughout the day.

Suppose you don’t want to go through the hassle of buying a separate bus and ferry ticket. In that case, a combination ticket is the best way to travel from Khao Sok to Koh Tao. The whole journey usually takes around 8-10 hours, with a couple of breaks along the way at service stations.  

Bus/ferry service providers are Seatran Discovery, Songserm, Fame Tours & Services, and Lomprayah. They’re reputable companies and have been providing transport for travelers for several years. You’re in safe hands. 

Both ferries and buses are relatively modern and well-known for their excellent safety records. Combo tickets start from US$31 and shouldn’t exceed US$40. Bus transport from Khao Sok to Koh Tao will be air-conditioned, and ferries also have an air-conditioned cabin.

Buses don’t always have bathrooms onboard but will make stops to use the facilities. Conversely, ferries will have bathrooms on board and won’t stop during the three-hour crossing from Surat Thani to Koh Tao.

Ferries have open-top decks so you can sit down and sunbathe—don’t forget the sunscreen! Seats are also available in the air-conditioned cabin below deck. There will also usually be a small kiosk for snacks or a dining area for food and drinks.

Bus seats often partially recline so you can get some rest. This is good news for late-night travelers. Not only will you be able to sleep during the bus ride but you’ll also be saving money on accommodation. Arriving in the early morning is a very dreamy experience.    

 

What to see when traveling from Khao Sok to Koh Tao 

The bus journey east takes you via southern Thailand’s main central highway. If you’re traveling by day, you’ll see plenty of cars, trucks and motorbikes driving alongside. By night, you’re going to see lots of brightly lit service stations.

You might also get lucky and see some Thai villages along the way, especially as you leave the more rural areas surrounding Khao Sok National Park. It’s an incredible region and well worth staying awake for as you make your way through the last of the jungle. 

The best way to get from Khao Sok to Koh Tao for scenery is to take the daytime bus. However, if you’re looking to save money on accommodation, take the nighttime bus. In four hours, both will deliver you to the Surat Thani pier, where you’ll board the boat to Koh Tao.

Crossing the Gulf of Thailand is gonna be much more scenic during the day. Taking a seat on the open-top deck of a ferry also gives you an opportunity to top up your tan before you arrive. Keep an eye out for the islands of Koh Samui and Ko Phangan along the way. 

Night ferries are very dark but do give you a chance to sleep—don’t forget a nice comfy pillow! They can be very noisy too, but it’s surprising how easy it is to sleep if you’ve just been traveling for the last four hours by bus. Nothing a strong coffee won’t fix on Koh Tao.

 

How to get from Khao Sok to Koh Tao 

Taking a bus/ferry from Khao Sok to Koh Tao  

A combination bus/ferry ticket is all you need to get from Khao Sok to Koh Tao. It’s a very affordable, classic traveling experience and very sociable as well. 

Tickets are best purchased in advance, although many companies will sell last-minute seats outside of high-season. So, do your research and don’t be afraid to shop around. The companies that we recommend are all well-known, and this can be all you need for peace of mind.

And that’s how to get from Khao Sok to Koh Tao. Now, who’s in?